Books Like...

'Into the Drowning Deep' by Mira Grant follows a crew on the ship Melusine as they venture to the Mariana Trench to investigate the disappearance of a previous crew who encountered killer mermaids. The story is described as a mix of horror, science fiction, and adventure, with a focus on the tension between humans and the predatory mermaids. The narrative is filled with gore, tension, and twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the crew faces the terrifying creatures of the deep.

Aster lives on a generational space ship that resembles the antebellum south, where dark-skinned residents are confined to lower levels and controlled through brutal violence. She navigates through a world of trauma, power systems, and societal conflicts, seeking to uncover secrets that could save them all. The story unfolds on the spaceship Matilda, where the characters grapple with themes of slavery, brutality, hope, and rebellion, set against the backdrop of a dystopian society on a journey through space.

'The Mermaid' by Christina Henry is a historical fiction novel that follows the story of a mermaid named Amelia who becomes entangled in the world of P.T. Barnum's circus. The book explores themes of love, identity, and societal expectations as Amelia navigates her way through the human world while staying true to herself. Through rich prose and a blend of fantasy and historical elements, Christina Henry creates a captivating tale that delves into the complexities of human nature and the desire for acceptance.

'The Pisces' by Melissa Broder is a novel that delves into the life of Lucy, a woman struggling with depression and love addiction after a breakup. The story follows Lucy as she housesits for her sister in Venice Beach, attending group therapy and engaging in Tinder hookups while writing her thesis on Sappho. Things take a fantastical turn when Lucy meets a mysterious merman by the ocean, leading to surreal and creative elements of magical realism. The book explores themes of personal responsibility, intellectual ambition, interpersonal relationships, and mental health through the lens of an unlikable yet intriguing protagonist.

The writing style of 'The Pisces' immerses readers in the unhealthy thought processes of the main character, with horrifically unsexy sex scenes and a depiction of depression that is moving and incisive. The novel combines elements of humor, surrealism, and introspection, challenging readers to consider the consequences of self-destructive behavior and the complexities of human desires and relationships.

In "The Mermaid of Black Conch" by Monique Roffey, readers are transported to a Caribbean setting where they follow the tale of Aycayia, a mermaid who is captured by fishermen. The story delves into themes of love, loss, tradition, and the natural world, all while exploring the complexities of relationships between men and women. The writing style is described as lyrical, layered, and filled with vivid characterizations that bring the story to life in a magical and exciting way.

In the near future, "Starfish" by Peter Watts delves into a world where humanity seeks alternative energy sources, focusing on deep sea rifts. The story follows a group of severely damaged individuals who are hired to work in the deep sea vents, adapted with cyborg-like enhancements to survive the extreme conditions. As the rifters cope with their lives in the deep sea, they face the machinations of a corporation that begins to view them as expendable assets. The novel explores themes of isolation, human modification, corporate conspiracy, and the psychological impact of living in such a harsh environment.

The narrative in "Starfish" is described as dark, riveting, and psychologically intense, focusing on the underdogs of society who find solace in the depths of the ocean. The story unfolds as the characters, despite their pasts and bio-engineered bodies, struggle with their humanity and face the challenges presented by their environment. The book keeps readers engaged with its exploration of deep-sea mysteries, the psychological evolution of the characters, and the uncovering of corporate secrets that threaten their survival.

'Skin of the Sea' by Natasha Bowen is a captivating blend of African mythology, history, and fiction that reimagines the classic tale of 'The Little Mermaid'. The story follows Simi, a Mami Wata torn between her life in the sea and on land, as she embarks on a journey filled with encounters with humans, fairies, gods, and monsters. Through beautifully crafted storytelling, the author delves into themes of love, sacrifice, friendship, and self-discovery against the backdrop of African myths and legends.

The book expertly weaves together elements of African folklore, traditional fairytale, and historical context, creating a rich tapestry of culture and storytelling. Natasha Bowen's writing style effortlessly transports readers into a world where mermaids, deities like Yemoja and Shango, and mystical creatures coexist, offering a fresh and enchanting perspective on familiar narratives.

"To Kill a Kingdom" by Alexandra Christo is a dark and action-filled retelling of The Little Mermaid, focusing on the characters of Lira, a siren princess, and Elian, a pirate prince. The story follows their unlikely alliance as they are forced to work together to defeat the sea queen, blending elements of mythology, love, and pirates. The book is praised for its unique take on the classic tale, incorporating murderous mermaids, witty banter, and a slow-burning romance between the two protagonists.

The narrative alternates between Lira and Elian's perspectives, providing insights into their characters and their evolving relationship. The writing style is described as engaging, with vivid world-building and morally ambiguous characters that add depth to the plot. Readers appreciate the fresh twist on familiar themes, such as the dark romance of pirates, monsters, and vengeance, making it a compelling and immersive read.

'The Deep' by Nick Cutter follows the story of a group of researchers stationed eight miles beneath the ocean's surface, seeking a cure for a devastating disease known as The Gets. The narrative is filled with suspense, as the characters face not only the claustrophobia of their underwater environment but also evil forces and mysterious occurrences that challenge their sanity. The plot revolves around the search for a substance called Ambrosia, believed to be the miracle cure, but it raises questions about its true nature and potential consequences. The writing style is described as descriptive and engaging, with an exciting storyline that keeps readers hooked until the end.

Sorrowland is a genre-bending mix of adult fiction, sci-fi, and magical realism, following the story of Vern, a pregnant teenager who escapes a Black commune into modern society, only to face haunting challenges in the woods with her twins. The plot is described as twisty, dark, and violent, with elements of horror, fantasy, and LGBT themes woven throughout. The writing style is praised for being unique, imaginative, and powerful, delving into themes of racism, corruption, and dark history with a surrealist bent.